septifragal, a. Bot.
(sɛpˈtɪfrəgəl)
[f. septi-2 + frag-, root of frangĕre to break + -al1.]
Applied to the form of dehiscence in which the septa are separated from the valves.
| 1819 Lindley tr. Richard's Obs. Fruits & Seeds 10 It [sc. the valvular mode of dehiscence] is called septifragal when it bursts the external edge of the dissepiments, which are then divided from the valves. 1898 L. H. Bailey Less. with Plants 265 Septifragal dehiscence..may occur in either loculicidal or septicidal pods. |
Hence sepˈtifragally adv., with septifragal dehiscence.
| 1896 G. Henslow Wild Flowers 149 It [sc. the fruit] dehisces loculicidally (through the back) and septifragally (across the septa). |